§ Mr. RaynsfordTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if his Department will assume responsibility for the maintenance of the premises in Greenwich formerly occupied by the Royal Naval college and the Joint Services Defence college. [22210]
§ Mr. SproatThe Department of National Heritage is jointly responsible with the Ministry of Defence for the maintenance of the premises currently occupied by the Royal Naval college. As my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces explained on 30 March,Official Report, columns 746–47, decisions on the future of the Royal Naval college site have yet to be taken, but it is hoped that a further announcement will be made before the end of the year. Decisions will take into account the importance of ensuring that, as far as possible, these fine historic buildings are properly maintained in future.